Radiolab for Kids

Forests on Forests


Listen Later

Hey Radiolab for Kids listeners! We’re back after a long hiatus with one of our favorite episodes from earlier this year. And a surprise... 

We're cooking up something new and looking to get your feedback. Join our Radiolab for Kids listener panel by taking this 5 minute survey (https://airtable.com/shrjoLpn13qCHlXh0). We're listening and want to create more awesome stories for you and your families!

ABOUT THE EPISODE:

For much of history, tree canopies were pretty much completely ignored by science. It was as if researchers said collectively, "It's just going to be empty up there, and we've got our hands full studying the trees down here! So why bother?!"

But then, around the mid-1980s, a few ecologists around the world got curious and started making their way up into the treetops using any means necessary (ropes, cranes, hot air dirigibles) to document all they could find. It didn't take long for them to realize not only was the forest canopy not empty, it was absolutely filled to the brim with life. You've heard of treehouses? How about tree gardens?! 

This week we journey up into the sky and discover Forests above the forest. We learn about the secret powers of these sky gardens from ecologist Korena Mafune, and we follow Nalini Nadkarni as she makes a ground-breaking discovery that changes how we understand what trees are capable of. 

A FEW VISUAL TRE(E)ATS:

We first learned about the magical world of the canopy from this beautiful video from Michael Werner, Joe Hanson, and the PBS Overview team. It features Korena Mafune’s research up in the treetops, as well as the people who have dedicated their lives to saving what’s left of the old growth forests. We highly recommend checking it out! 

And, if you’re hankering to go climb a tree after this episode, you might enjoy browsing Hallie Bateman’s wonderfully illustrated guide to the best climbing trees in NYC for a little inspiration.

OTHER WAYS TO CONNECT WITH THE SHOW: 

Radiolab’s newsletter comes out every Wednesday. It includes short essays, recommendations, and other fun ways to interact with the show. Sign up (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)!

Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support our show by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today.

Follow our show on InstagramTwitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected].

Visit the Radiolab for Kids/Terrestrials website to learn more about the show, meet our team,  listen to the songs and discover fun activities, drawing prompts, music how-tos, and games that educators, parents, and families might enjoy together.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Radiolab for KidsBy WNYC

  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4
  • 4.4

4.4

1,022 ratings


More shows like Radiolab for Kids

View all
Radiolab by WNYC Studios

Radiolab

43,969 Listeners

This American Life by This American Life

This American Life

90,949 Listeners

Brains On! Science podcast for kids by American Public Media

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

13,415 Listeners

Invisibilia by NPR

Invisibilia

21,657 Listeners

Science Vs by Spotify Studios

Science Vs

12,103 Listeners

Wow in the World by Tinkercast | Wondery

Wow in the World

29,450 Listeners

Circle Round by WBUR

Circle Round

15,385 Listeners

The Big Fib by GZM Shows

The Big Fib

4,705 Listeners

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family by American Public Media

Smash Boom Best: A funny, smart debate show for kids and family

13,659 Listeners

Forever Ago by American Public Media

Forever Ago

6,024 Listeners

Throughline by NPR

Throughline

16,043 Listeners

Dolly Parton's America by WNYC Studios & OSM Audio

Dolly Parton's America

16,352 Listeners

Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids by National Geographic Kids

Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids

17,306 Listeners

The Other Latif by WNYC Studios

The Other Latif

470 Listeners

Million Bazillion by Marketplace

Million Bazillion

2,749 Listeners

Moment of Um by American Public Media

Moment of Um

1,532 Listeners

Smologies with Alie Ward by Alie Ward

Smologies with Alie Ward

283 Listeners